Introduction to Photolithography: Preparation of Microscale Polymer SilhouettesKimberly L. Berkowski, Kyle N. Plunkett, Qing Yu, and Jeffrey S. MooreIn this experiment, a glass microscope slide acts as the microchip. Students can pattern this "microchip" by layering negative photoresist on the slide using a solution containing monomer, crosslinker, photoinitiator, and dye. The students then cover the photoresist with a photomask, which is the negative of a computer-generated image or text printed on transparency film, and illuminate it with UV light. The photoresist in the exposed area polymerizes into a polymer network with a shape dictated by the photomask. The versatility of this technique is exemplified by allowing each student to fabricate virtually any shape imaginable, including his or her silhouette. Berkowski, Kimberly L.; Plunkett, Kyle N.; Yu, Qing; Moore, Jeffrey S. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1365.

Materials Science |

Applications of Chemistry |

Free Radicals |

Polymerization

Hands-on Classroom Photolithography Laboratory Module To Explore NanotechnologyScott J. Stelick, William H. Alger, Jesse S. Laufer, Anna M. Waldron, and Carl A. BattTeaching nanotechnology in the high school and undergraduate environment is a challenge given the typical expense of instruments used to create micro- and nano-sized devices. To meet this challenge, a portable optical reduction stepper was designed, fabricated, and optimized for use in classrooms. This unique system was designed to provide a safe, hands-on experience for students to create microscale circuits using photolithography. Students are able to design, fabricate, and test a circuit with dimensions as small as 100 mm. Stelick, Scott J.; Alger, William H.; Laufer, Jesse S.; Waldron, Anna M.; Batt, Carl A. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1361.

Maze: Bouncy BallThis puzzle, part of a collection from the ACS 'Science for Kids' Web site, has students follow a maze to collect various objects required to complete a science activity for making a bouncy ball (http://portal.acs.org:80/portal/fileFetch/C/WPCP_011041/pdf/WPCP_011041.pdf).

Polymerization |

Physical Properties |

Materials Science

Meg A. Mole's Bouncy Ball FactoryThis interactive game was developed as part of a collection from the ACS 'Science for Kids' Web site. In this game, students try to find the optimum mix of materials for producing a bouncy ball.

Applications of Chemistry |

Polymerization |

Physical Properties |

Materials Science

PolymersA collection of activities that explore basic concepts dealing with polymers. They are written for the 4-6th grade level.

Copoly; A Tool for Understanding Copolymerization and Monomer Sequence Distribution of CopolymersMassoud Miri, Juan A. Morales-TiradoThe study of the composition and monomer sequence distribution of binary copolymers is often complicated because of the many definitions of representative properties for the sequence distribution, the numerous calculations required, and occasionally the abstract treatment of the statistical processes describing the copolymer formation. Copoly resolves these issues with a user-friendly, highly visual interface to perform all calculations. Using Microsoft Excel and Word, Copoly is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. In Copoly the students enter up to five independent data parameters using the Data Input Window, and immediately see the results. To obtain diagrams for a copolymerization obeying a second-order Markovian process, the fraction of one monomer, A, and the reactivity ratios, rA, rB, rA´ and rB´ need to be entered; for a first-order Markovian process only the first three of these are required. For a Bernoullian- or zeroth-order Markovian process only A and rA are required. The results are displayed on separate sheets labeled: 1. Copolymerization Diagrams, 2. Dyads and Triads, 3. Sequence Length Distribution, 4. Simulated Copolymer Design, and 5. Summary.